With many of my favourite cafes having thrown in the towel during the pandemic, I’m glad this one just decided to retool its concept. Originally a ‘kids cafe’ with an indoor playground, One Thing underwent a makeover in early 2021 and is now called ILDO Studio.
Essentially, the playground has been replaced by a fitness studio (which is probably more in line with the owner’s brand, since he also operates ILDO Taekwondo Academy next door).
Nothing much has changed with the cafe itself, apart from a new paint job and some rearranged furniture.
The menu remains largely the same, as well – and so do my gripes about the Waffle. It’s still too thick and soft, with that slightly bitter aftertaste probably caused by a lack of buttermilk in the batter to offset the baking soda. This is a nice-looking waffle, so it’s a shame it doesn’t actually taste that good. 2/5
The newly introduced Croffle has its own problems, mainly that it’s too chewy and underbaked. A croffle is supposed be to a crossaint in waffle form. This one looked and tasted like it needed more time in the oven (or whatever was used to bake it). Not even the liberal amount of maple syrup could help me finish it. 1.5/5
The Ice Cream here won’t win any awards, but it’s decent enough and comes in a respectable selection of flavours. At $1.80 per scoop or $3 for a double scoop, it’s also absurdly affordable. This is probably the cheapest ice cream you’ll find in any cafe. Hell, even Scrooge McDuck couldn’t complain about value like that. 3/5
Bingsu has always been the highlight of ILDO/One Thing’s menu, so it’s odd that they’ve reduced their selection of flavours from eight to four over the years. Gone are the strawberry, matcha, red bean and Dutch bingsu.
The classic Injeolmi Bingsu is still around, at least. Made from finely shaved ice lightly sweetened with condensed milk and topped with roasted soybean powder, almond flakes and sliced injeolmi (Korean rice cakes that are similar to our local muah chee), this delightfully multi-textured dessert is equal parts icy, sticky, chewy and nutty. You can always ask for more condensed milk, too, if you don’t find it sweet enough. 4/5
The Mango Cheesecake Bingsu is even better. Swirls of mango puree are mixed into a pillowy ice base, then topped with mango syrup, fresh mangoes, mango ice cream and two fat cubes of frozen cheesecake. At $14, this is a lavishly indulgent, value-for-money dessert that’s big enough for two to share (in fact, all of the bingsu here come in sizable portions that are good for sharing). 4.5/5
Dutch Coffee is another one of ILDO’s specialties. I remember when they had a loyalty card back when they were One Thing, and I would rack up stamps all day long just from this coffee alone. Cold-brewed through a drip method that was apparently introduced by Dutch sailors to Korea hundreds of years ago, ILDO’s version has a clean, pleasant taste that’s almost devoid of acidity. While Boyle’s did Dutch coffee better, now that they’ve sadly closed their doors in Singapore, ILDO has become my go-to place once more for my cold brew fix. 4/5
Last but not least: the humble Sweet Potato Latte. ILDO’s version is rich, smooth, comforting and perfect for those rainy days we get so often right now. An iced option is available, but this is a drink that’s best served warm, I think. 4/5
All in all, while waffles continue to take a backseat to bingsu at ILDO, the relaxing vibe, good coffee, and wide array of other beverages, desserts and light bites, make it a great cafe for anyone to check out.
(Just make sure you pick a time when the children’s taekwondo classes aren’t going on, if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.)
Address: 170 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, #B2-17, Singapore 588179
Contact: 9788 1276
FB: facebook.com/ILDO-Studio-109439811185515
